The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Buying a Car (yeah, yeah, it's another one of these threads)
Raggaholic
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Ok Penny Arcade, I've seen you all help quite a few people on this, and now it's my turn.
Back in 2000, I bought a car. I did some research and ended up going with a Saturn. It had good gas mileage and I thought it was a decent car. I went to pick it up and sign the paperwork, only to fall in love with a car on the floor and get that. I drove off with a 2001 Saturn SC1. I said I would drive it until the wheels fell off, and that time is here. It's got 125k miles on it and it's pretty done. The car still runs, but it'll cost around 2k to fix the engine and transmission trouble, so it's time to get a new car.
I have about $7k cash in hand, and I'm willing to finance another 10k or so. I've been looking on Carmax and seeing what I can get for that. Turns out, there's a lot in that range. Talked to some guys at a Firestone, and they told me my best bet was to get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan (my car has needed a bunch of work over the years, and I'm not looking to repeat that).
The problem is I don't know anything about those cars. All I know is I have a friend driving a 93 Civic and it's still running fine. So, I need help.
I have no idea what years were good on any of those cars, and I don't know if I should be looking for the smaller (altima, civic, corolla) or larger (camry, accord) models and I have no idea what all of the EX, SE, LX stuff is all about.
So, I have $17k or so. Help me find a car!
*and someone please talk me out of buying this Audi TT that has 62k miles on it.
Back in 2000, I bought a car. I did some research and ended up going with a Saturn. It had good gas mileage and I thought it was a decent car. I went to pick it up and sign the paperwork, only to fall in love with a car on the floor and get that. I drove off with a 2001 Saturn SC1. I said I would drive it until the wheels fell off, and that time is here. It's got 125k miles on it and it's pretty done. The car still runs, but it'll cost around 2k to fix the engine and transmission trouble, so it's time to get a new car.
I have about $7k cash in hand, and I'm willing to finance another 10k or so. I've been looking on Carmax and seeing what I can get for that. Turns out, there's a lot in that range. Talked to some guys at a Firestone, and they told me my best bet was to get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan (my car has needed a bunch of work over the years, and I'm not looking to repeat that).
The problem is I don't know anything about those cars. All I know is I have a friend driving a 93 Civic and it's still running fine. So, I need help.
I have no idea what years were good on any of those cars, and I don't know if I should be looking for the smaller (altima, civic, corolla) or larger (camry, accord) models and I have no idea what all of the EX, SE, LX stuff is all about.
So, I have $17k or so. Help me find a car!
*and someone please talk me out of buying this Audi TT that has 62k miles on it.
Raggaholic on
0
Posts
There are also some smaller model cars that you could get brand new for your price -- things like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit.
You can't really go too wrong with a Civic.
Personally if you're just looking for something to get you around in general I'd stick with a 4 cylinder that gets good gas mileage.
I like my 2008 Civic so far. Good gas mileage, sporty, fun, open feeling cabin, all that. An older Civic is matter of personal opinion. I'd avoid most subcompacts. Most of the time that I'm stuck behind a slow moving car on the freeway, it's seems to be a Honda Fit. I don't think those cars are meant for an kind of power or speed at all.
I had my '93 Nissan Altima until I was in an accident at the beginning of this year. It was still running pretty good. The only time I ever had the car break down and towed was when the battery died. Twice in the life of the car (15 years), and once when the spark plug controller shorted out. Other than that, it ran like a dream. I heard the later Altimas didn't quite have that good or reliable a design, though.
Just my two cents.
You *could* get a brand new Scion tC in your price range bare bones, or a tricked out used one (which you'd seem to prefer). I've been driving one for the past year or so and have nothing but praise.
Would he be able to fit in a tC? I looked at them a few years back when I was shopping for a new car and it was unpleasent to try to sit in one of those. Granted, I'm about 6'2", but from my (3 minutes of) experience, these aren't cars for tall people. Even the xA was quite cramped. I didn't try the xB because, well the thing is ugly.
I used to drive a '96 Suzuki Esteem (small 4 door sedan) that was comfortable and got me everywhere I needed to go throughout college. Got great mileage and no major issues with it in the 6 years it carted me around. In retrospect, I shouldn't have sold the thing. I'd be up by nearly 18k and paying less for gas then I am now.
My suggestion would be to look around some reputable used car dealers in your area and see what you like that is in your price range. Make a list, then do research based off the list. When you find 4 or 5 at the top of the list it'll be a bit easier to decide then looking at all the cars that are available (which can be overwhelming considering the amount of contradictory information that you will find).
/insert plug for mazda 3 hatchback here (it's suprisingly roomy inside, and way more fun than those cars!
Your price range can mean a wide rage depending on how used you're looking for; if you want to look used instead of new, you might have to make a "how used are you willing to go" choice and go from there...
I guess that could be an issue but...you know the seats slide back right?
I'm 5'9" and the only car I test drove that was really too small was the Mini Cooper. They don't call them Mini for nothing...
Infiniti = Nissan
Acura = Honda
Lexus = Toyota
They're all just as reliable as their non-"luxury" monikers. Same engines, same parts, etc. They don't even have these brands in their home market for the most part. For instance, the Infiniti G35 is the Nissan Skyline in Japan. It's exactly the same car except the little plastic hood ornament and rear lettering.
Did you adjust the seats on the tC? I'm going on year two with mine, 6'1", and I have a TON of room. You could fit someone 6'4" or 6'5" easily, maybe taller. In fact, even the backseats are roomy once you consider that they recline into the trunk. Overall, I think the feature set on a Scion is substantial compared to what you would pay to put similar basic features into other cars. Mine has been awesome.
PSN: TheScrublet
Yeah that's what it really comes down to. Toyota has hit some kind of magical sweet spot and it's hard to beat feature wise for the price. Get a used one and it's an even better deal.
Like I said earlier, I've been driving one for just over a year. I test drove about 8 cars in the price range, and I chose the Scion because it drove the best. Indescribable, but when you drive eight cars in the space of a week you get a sense of how each has it's own feel. Worst was a Honda Civic...just felt really disconnected from the driving experience, like I was doing it by proxy. The tC was the complete opposite.
I'm sure it's an individual thing, but I'm willing to bet if you test one (and properly adjust the seat) you'll like it.
1) Where are you? Used car markets can vary from region to region.
2) Do you have any emotional stigmas that will prevent you from buying something in particular?
3) Desired use? IE long distance commute, stop and go, hauling kids, etc.
4) Transmission Preference?
5) Lastly, what sort of minimum performance standards do you have?
I'll personally recommend the G35 if you can find one in your area for your budget. I've got an '05 6-speed coupe, and I covet it. I've only had it for about 3 months, but so far, so very good. Depending on your area, you should be able to find the sedan version close to your budget (most likely not including tax though). All the research I did prior to purchase showed a very reliable car that was fairly cheap to maintain. The only somewhat-negative aspect is the fuel consumption, but if you're not crushing the pedal all the time, it's not bad. Regarding years, the '03s - '04s have Brembo brakes (I think all the coupes did, and the sedans had them as an option) - these brakes are great, but need to be replaced more frequently than the ones on the '05+ models. I'd avoid the '03s anyway, as they're the first model year.
The Altima is a pretty cool car as well. Nissan puts great engines in all their cars. The VQ35DE engine, which is in the Altima, Maxima, G35, and 350z has consistently been rated very highly since its inception. If you're after a coupe, the 350z is sort of the "cheaper" G35, and it's got a good reputation as well. It will most likely be a bitch to insure though.
I don't know much about Honda or Toyota, but I saw an '07 black Civic coupe on the way home from work yesterday, and it actually pretty damn sexy. I'm not sure there's a lot under the hood, but I'd venture it gets good mileage at least.
Standard disclaimers about tax and insurance as well - give your insurer a list of potential buys prior to pulling the trigger so you'll know how much more it will cost you. I'd venture, depending on your age, the difference between the Saturn and an Infiniti/Lexus would be relatively substantial. Also, Carmax is generally somewhat overprice, which they'll admit to. Not saying don't use it, but be sure to check Autotrader and Craigslist in your area as well.
PSN: TheScrublet
1)I'm in NW Indiana, right off the lake. The winter's are harsh, so that's a consideration. I won't be parking in a garage either, so that's something else to think about.
2) I'd like to stick with the Japanese cars, as they have the best performance for dollar. I will not buy a Mitsubishi.
3) It's my car, and thus it's how I'll get back and forth to work/school. I don't have a family and don't need to haul a bunch of stuff. Gas mileage is a big consideration, too.
4) I don't want a stick unless absolutely necessary.
5) I currently drive a four cylinder Saturn. I have no standards (although I would like something with some get up and go, I don't need a Porsche).
Is Toyota making the Scions?
I was going with Carmax because I was assuming their economy of scale would allow for lower prices than the dealers (can make less money per car and make it up in volume). I'm wary about Autotrader, Craig's List, Auto Focus, Dealer Auctions, etc because I know very little about cars and don't want to be stuck with someone's problem.
First up we have A 2006 Mercury Milan, based on a Mazda 6. To me, a real performance to reliability bargain.
Second, 2005 Lincoln LS V8, a European style luxury sedan that was really underloved. May be a bit of a handfull in the snow, but a very nice choice.
Whoops, just realized I listed two domestics. Even still, they are both foreign in parts composition or character.
I'll keep saying it, check out the Saturn Astra. It's a great little car. The coupe is one of the best looking cars out there but the 5-door hatchback isn't bad either. You can get a nice one for ~$16,000.
Also, CarMax isn't really overpriced, they've just done a very good job of making people think they can't haggle with them. You can get 500-1000 off their sticker price, you just have to keep putting the pressure on them. CarMax just has a lot of overflow of 2003-2005 Chevy and Dodge's now because they were all fleet/rental vehicles that no one cares for anymore. You might find a nice Impala in there, but they're mainly Stratus and Malibu's
The difference between the SC1 and the Astra is night and day. The Astra is a Euro import, designed for Opel and exported. The SC1 is...well...not so good.
Are you graduating soon or planning to move?
a new one may be a few thou north of your budget though.
Edit: hmm ... beated.
Shogun Streams Vidya
Aside from being horrifically dull and carrying a sapphic stigma, yes.
I agree I think the older models looked a lot better and stood out more than today's model. However their build quality is amazing and in his location the AWD will be very useful. Great mileage as well.
Shogun Streams Vidya
Yeah, the Astra is the second best selling car in Europe, and loves going around corners, just loves it. It's German engineered, made in Belgium (until they start making them in Mexico due to being cost prohibitive) and is a nice, quiet small car.
And it looks awesome. Really, it's worth sacrificing a few HP for the look. And it gets 24/30 mpg estimates.
You could even try and get a discount for being a "loyal Saturn owner, yada yada yada"
See? See?
Subarus are Japanese. They're also getting closer and closer to just being merged with Toyota. They already make Camry's at the Subaru plant in Indiana, and the new AE86 coming out will be a joint venture thing.
Awesome, I'm a lesbian.
Are you sure you're not thinking about the forester (also an awesome subaru)?
Edit: My Legacy GT rocks.
I don't mean to split hairs here, but Opel is just a division of General Motors. In the same way that Saturn is a division of General Motors.
I understand the concept, yes. However, the comparison was of a 2001 SC1, one of the most maligned small carries in history with the good ole Iron Duke under the hood to a modern, German designed small car with the Ecotec. Apples to hand grenades.
Before I bought the Saturn, I looked at Subaru's, as their was a dealer right by my house. I remember them being quite a bit north of my price range, although the AWD is nice. Doing some quick looks, they don't seem that great on gas (20/27).
Maybe I'm spoiled, but my SC1 had 27/37 for its estimates, and I'm still looking in that range. Is that not likely these days? Plus, my Jet Black tinted SC1 looks better than that... :P
Keep all of this coming guys. I really appreciate all the info here. I don't want to end up with some garbage.
Then buy the Milan!
My roommate is one, and he was talking to me about how Hondas typically beat their mileage estimates (my 1990 Civic typically pulls 27ish street, 36ish highway) while Audi, for example, typically fails to meet its estimate (he drives one that he doesn't think has ever hit his estimated MPG).
My old '99 Nissan Maxima was supposed to average 20 MPG city, but actually did 22.
And AWD cars generally have lower MPGs than front wheel drive cars.
If you're still wanting in that upper 37mpg range, you have to go with the Yaris/Fit/Versa range of sub-compacts.